Welcome to 2010

I ended the year on a wonderful high when Dennis, on bended knee under a Pohutukawa Tree proposed.  It was all very romantic and hearts and flowery and wonderful.  Then the children went to spend Christmas with their father and their grandparents from Portugal, while Dennis, the labradors and I spent a few days with my mum.  Keep in mind that it is summer here in New Zealand so we spent much of our time lazing under the trees and reading, stopping only to cool off in the pool or to throw shell fish on the barbecue and wash it down with icy Pinot Gris.  We followed this up with more lazing with Den's parents before picking up the children and returning home.

Our ducks, hens and cats were pleased to see us home - but none of us know what happened to the eggs our Indian Runner ducks were nesting on.  There is no sign of eggs or ducklings and both the runners have rejoined The Henny Penny Gang in the main coop.  I can only assume cats or rodents got to them and I suspect Dennis is actually relieved we will not have the pitter patter of tiny webbed feet around the place.

We saw the New Year in with the kids and their Portugese grandparents (my ex-parents in law) which was lovely.  Instead of giving the kids gifts on Christmas Day we kept them and did it at New Year.  The Grandparents loved it - getting to share two Christmases in one year with the kids.

During the time off I've rediscovered poetry and fallen in love with it all over again.  I especially love Deena Metzger, Maya Angelou, and Thich Nhat Hahn - and I'm even trying to write a bit of poetry again.  I've also taken up painting - and have done a couple of passable watercolours of waterlilies and tulips.  A bit cliched perhaps but very enjoyable.